What's your opinion on the many genres of Christian music? (Full Version)

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breanne -> What's your opinion on the many genres of Christian music? (6/2/2008 3:46:51 PM)

I ask this in the sense of say like, metal that is Chrisitian. Take Demon Hunter for example. I loooooooooove Demon Hunter! They're really hard metal, lots of screaming, but also some singing as well. They have a few medleys that are somewhat slow and have no screaming, and just all singing. People think that the sound of the Christian metal isn't good and therefore it's not really Christian because it has the sound of non Christian music.

But Demon Hunter is very much Christian. It's obvious in their lyrics, their actions, their "thank you's" in the CD jackets, and through their interviews as well.

How do you all perceive Christian metal music?

I'm just kind of curious, cause right now the mood I'm in I really needed some just harsh music to somewhat fit my mood. LOL! Don't ask. And I've been listening to Demon Hunter all day today.



RHardin15 -> RE: What's your opinion on the many genres of Christian music? (6/2/2008 4:53:05 PM)

I don't understand how Demon Hunter would be any less of a Christian band than any other band. If you've heard that, someone just doesn't like that genre.

There are alot of bands that are composed of all Christians, yet do not have overtly "Christian" lyrics (that's the whole Jesus per minute factor thing). Some people don't call them "Christian bands" but they are more of an outreach than any Christian artist that has the very religious tone in all of their songs. Therefore, it is Christian music. The music isn't what is Christian, music is just music, the people doing the music are the Christian part. The lyrics will reflect that whether overtly religious sounding or not.



breanne -> RE: What's your opinion on the many genres of Christian music? (6/2/2008 5:06:37 PM)

See I agree with that. Doesn't matter how they sound, but if they are Christians and their words portray their faith. Then what difference does it make if it's Steven Curtis Chapman versus Demon Hunter?

I've heard from people who were non Christians saying stuff like that. Especially from my dad. He's like, "I don't think it's very Christian like to be listening to music like that, even if they "say" they're Christian."



OneJohn410 -> RE: What's your opinion on the many genres of Christian music? (6/2/2008 11:44:31 PM)

If someone does not like the sound of something, chances are they are not going ask you to see the CD jacket to read the lyrics, or watch a video of the preformers' latest visit to somewhere for a mission fundraiser, or want to listen to an interview of the musicians' opinions about anything. Like it or not, you are probably not going to be able to sit down with your dad and explain to him that at that instance in that song, this band is singing about God's plan of salvation for His creation. Since he's probably heard the entire disc, you may have missed the chance to just play one of the 'softer' songs on it and try to explain your attraction for what you hear.

If Christian metal music is helpful to you being in a mindset of thinking about how God's blessed your life, and that it reminds you to be thankful for that and spread it around to others you know, then that's great. If it is more of a way to shut out the world, rebel against your parents wishes, and secretly worship God more than to openly worship Him... that's just how I'd have to think about something like that. If I tried to answer, "What would Jesus do with Christian metal music?" I couldn't. I know he'd try to use it to bring glory to God, yet hey! If there was any stringed music during Jesus' days on earth, it would surely have been unplugged (acoustic), and not likely any yelling in the music's performance.

This is a real thought-provoking post. I'm glad I didn't have to come up with it. : )

OneJohn410



mapachito13 -> RE: What's your opinion on the many genres of Christian music? (6/3/2008 8:08:13 AM)

I would rather listen to Christian metal of the harder edged CCM than P & W (which is so formulaic and IMO boring). The lyrics are more rooted in my struggles as a Christian than the happy-happy-joy-joy music of P & W.

I must say that I like the guitar work of bands like Demon Hunter and Underoath, I Am Legend, August Burns Red, etc. but the screamo vocals turn me off. I've never liked the Cookie Monster sound of it. My six year old calls it "throw-up singing"[:D]! I'm not bagging on you that like it because I'd rather listen to that than other styles of Christian music. It's just MHO.

I think Dead Poetic and Showbread is as close to screamo that I like. My favorite harder edged CCM bands are Project 86, P.O.D., Alter Bridge, Dead Poetic, Disciple, Skillet, Showbread and Warrior.



RHardin15 -> RE: What's your opinion on the many genres of Christian music? (6/3/2008 8:57:39 AM)

I completely agree with the above post... the screamo vocals just aren't my style. I do like Showbread on many of their songs. I like some of Emery's stuff, when they don't over-saturate the song with screaming (alot more of their older stuff I like better, even some of the screaming).



ravneskrik -> RE: What's your opinion on the many genres of Christian music? (6/3/2008 4:55:38 PM)

black metal / death metal / doom .... i love all that stuff.



JFunashamed -> RE: What's your opinion on the many genres of Christian music? (6/3/2008 5:27:17 PM)

I looove Demon Hunter. They are amazing, it true though people hear the name and that they are meatl and immediatley they are saying it isnt Christian. The type of music it is doesnt determine it isnt Christian. The reason they think that (most old people not to be mean) is cuz they are used to Christian music being melodier (if thats even a word) and soft. Simply, worship music.


For people who love rock like me, check out these bands: Family Force 5, Red, Kutless, Superchic(k), Seventh Day Slumber, Hawk Nelson, As I Lay Dying, Thousand Foot Crutch. (Yes, they are all Christian, even As I Lay Dying)



bigboytenor -> RE: What's your opinion on the many genres of Christian music? (6/4/2008 10:55:33 AM)

I'm a 40 yr. old classically trained singer. This type of music is not enjoyable to me at all. However, my kids absolutely love Thousand Foot Crutch, Red, Stellar Kart, etc. I would much rather have them listening to the positive message in that music than some of the secular garbage that is out there. More power to you, man. Rock out!



rockitd -> RE: What's your opinion on the many genres of Christian music? (6/4/2008 2:18:52 PM)

I love various styles of Christian music. The harder music usually embraces the warfare style of our faith, while the softer is for worship. When I first became a Christian in jr. high, I was first listened to the Archers, Amy Grant, Michael W., and the like. Then about a year and half later, their was a music festival called the "Exit Festival" that introduced Leslie Phillips, Steve Taylor, and Undercover. In high school, a non-Christian introduced me to Stryper's music. I've always been around "Black" Gospel but got into Holy Hip Hop and R&B in college.



rosamaria -> RE: What's your opinion on the many genres of Christian music? (6/4/2008 2:39:45 PM)

I am into music,, love it!!!

METAL music, depends'' like you say how you are feeling that day>>>

ME PERSONALLY, I prefer Christain music of a rock sorta thing,, if you know where I am coming from>>

I love to put my cd's and radio on full blast driving down the highway>> yep, I do~~~~ lol


[:D]



Microkoe -> RE: What's your opinion on the many genres of Christian music? (6/5/2008 2:26:32 AM)

Being a writer of music myself..i write for many genres. I cant just stick to one genre all the time.. tho i may excell better in one, i like to experiment in other ones. Stryper, some catagorize them as Christian Metal, Glam rock, etc... they never said they were a christian band, on a secular label, they had lots of success. Dont think they would of had the success they have had if they were put in the Christian Rock genre on the bookstore shelf. God allowed it! I love all the genres.. i think u can use music as a tool in any genre and put a great message with it,, or like myself.. just an instrumental. What genre would u put a piano instrumental in, that is written by a Christian? dont think there is one, mabe thats one reason why i write songs that fit in other genres.. ha im just ramblin..



mapachito13 -> RE: What's your opinion on the many genres of Christian music? (6/5/2008 9:32:18 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Microkoe

Being a writer of music myself..i write for many genres. I cant just stick to one genre all the time.. tho i may excell better in one, i like to experiment in other ones. Stryper, some catagorize them as Christian Metal, Glam rock, etc... they never said they were a christian band, on a secular label, they had lots of success. Dont think they would of had the success they have had if they were put in the Christian Rock genre on the bookstore shelf. God allowed it! I love all the genres.. i think u can use music as a tool in any genre and put a great message with it,, or like myself.. just an instrumental. What genre would u put a piano instrumental in, that is written by a Christian? dont think there is one, mabe thats one reason why i write songs that fit in other genres.. ha im just ramblin..


I was pleased to see on my last visit to Best Buy the CCM groups interspersed with the secular music. No special category!! They just segregated the P & W music in the "Christian" category. I guess that should be expected.



amyk -> RE: What's your opinion on the many genres of Christian music? (6/10/2008 12:35:37 AM)

quote:

The harder music usually embraces the warfare style of our faith, while the softer is for worship.


I think I have worshipped just as much to hard music (okay, for my time, that was Petra) as I have to softer music.

I just think it depends on what style of music you like. Me, I like big band, but it does not seem to be a genre making a big comeback in Christian music, so.....I do have about 3 big band Christian music CDs (Ralph Carmichael and the Chris McDonald band).



DaveW -> RE: What's your opinion on the many genres of Christian music? (6/10/2008 7:44:17 AM)

I thought from the title this was going to be about discussing many different genres, not just how hard this or that group rocks.

I am and have been most of my adult life an advocate of everyone appreciating a wide variety of musical styles; from the Baroque music of Bach, Handel and Vivaldi (all strong believers) to jazz to bluegrass to pop to southern gospel and metal. I actually find the christian music scene somewhat barren in that respect. Where are the christian big bands? The virtuoso instrumenal soloists? (Phil Keaggy who is arguably one of the best guitarists ever can't even get a recording contract now) How many people realize that John Michael Talbot is a virtuoso banjo player?

As to worship music (which is by definition NOT music for entertainment) we should also be able to worship God in what ever style is being played, whether written in 2008 or 1508.



mapachito13 -> RE: What's your opinion on the many genres of Christian music? (6/10/2008 8:04:36 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: DaveW

I thought from the title this was going to be about discussing many different genres, not just how hard this or that group rocks.

I am and have been most of my adult life an advocate of everyone appreciating a wide variety of musical styles; from the Baroque music of Bach, Handel and Vivaldi (all strong believers) to jazz to bluegrass to pop to southern gospel and metal. I actually find the christian music scene somewhat barren in that respect. Where are the christian big bands? The virtuoso instrumenal soloists? (Phil Keaggy who is arguably one of the best guitarists ever can't even get a recording contract now) How many people realize that John Michael Talbot is a virtuoso banjo player?

As to worship music (which is by definition NOT music for entertainment) we should also be able to worship God in what ever style is being played, whether written in 2008 or 1508.


A Christian big band would be really cool! Growing up with that style of music through my parents and having been weaned on Lawrence Welk which was one of my parents favorite TV shows. But, you're right, there are certain genres that are more devoid of Christian artist than others. It has to do with the current popularity of a certain style of music IMO.

With regard to classical I actually think there are Christians writing and performing their works based on religious subjects but they are probably more known at a local or industry level than celebrating them on a national or global stage. I am sure most of them may not even have recorded their works. (Think of how expensive getting an orchestra into a recording studio would be!) It's also hard to displace a Bach or Handel who has had literally hundreds of years to cement their place in the pantheon of music history.

I've seen JMT many times live and I never knew of his prowess on the banjo! Does any of his recorded works showcase this talent? Every time I've seen him it was just him and his guitar. That man can transport you to a new level of worshipping God. I guess that's why they call him "The Troubadour of the Lord"! JMT rocks!!!! [;)][:D]

BTW, Being a guitar player, you may appreciate Scott Tremonti; the guitarist formerly of Creed and presently with Alter Bridge. It's more harder edged rock, although they do have some ballads. You'll be impressed with his virtuosity during his solos. Listen to the Alter Bridge CDs since with Creed he was more restrained in his playing.

They have two CDs "One Day Remains" and "Blackbird". He knows how to change it up with his tempo and volume. He plays with emotion not just technical prowess and he has plenty of both. The guitar solo lives on!!!



DaveW -> RE: What's your opinion on the many genres of Christian music? (6/11/2008 11:28:34 AM)

JMT's album 'The New Earth' has a lengthy minor key piece for unaccompanied banjo. (late 70s)

Absloutely incredible.

He was the banjo player for Mason Prophet, a country rock band that predated the Eagles. His brother Terry was the lead singer.



HisFish -> RE: What's your opinion on the many genres of Christian music? (6/11/2008 11:35:06 PM)

quote:

How do you all perceive Christian metal music?

I thought the post was about " the many genres of christian music"?



mapachito13 -> RE: What's your opinion on the many genres of Christian music? (6/12/2008 10:13:16 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: HisFish

quote:

How do you all perceive Christian metal music?

I thought the post was about " the many genres of christian music"?


Well it is. What genres do you want to talk about?



freakofnature -> RE: What's your opinion on the many genres of Christian music? (6/12/2008 11:09:45 AM)

quote:

i think u can use music as a tool in any genre


That is an argument many would make that describes all that is wrong with Christian music... A "tool" of spreading the word which for some means that the music is secondary to the message. I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'



mapachito13 -> RE: What's your opinion on the many genres of Christian music? (6/12/2008 12:28:46 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: freakofnature

quote:

i think u can use music as a tool in any genre


That is an argument many would make that describes all that is wrong with Christian music... A "tool" of spreading the word which for some means that the music is secondary to the message. I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'


If they are "doing it for the Lord" they better put their best music into their songs! But that's why I find most (not all) P & W music tedious. Most songs sound the same with the same bouncy, happy-happy-joy-joy music. I'd call it cotton candy Christianity.



DaveW -> RE: What's your opinion on the many genres of Christian music? (6/12/2008 1:04:08 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: mapachito13

If they are "doing it for the Lord" they better put their best music into their songs! But that's why I find most (not all) P & W music tedious.

I am not sure that is such a good idea.

Putting your best into worship music pulls the focus from the Lord to the music, and that is counterproductive.

J.S. Bach is quoted as saying "The whole purpose of music is the glorification of God and the recreation of the mind." These are 2 very seperate functions and IMO should not be mixed. While we do not wish to serve up lame offerings in P&W, to have the most complex chord structures or the wildest instrumental breaks or difficult melodies is counter productive. P&W is congregational in nature, and as such must not exceed the musical abilities of the congregation.

I would love to write worship music in 5/8 or 7/8 time. But no one could sing it. A friend wrote a praise song that the melody covered almost 2 octaves. No one could sing it, or more properly they could only sing part of it. Then you get into musical styles. There are many people that cannot sense God's presence without a Hammond B3 organ going with full Leslie speakers. Throw a few guitar power chords their way and you pull them right out of the worship attitude.



freakofnature -> RE: What's your opinion on the many genres of Christian music? (6/12/2008 1:53:40 PM)

quote:

But that's why I find most (not all) P & W music tedious. Most songs sound the same with the same bouncy, happy-happy-joy-joy music. I'd call it cotton candy Christianity.


Precisley my point. Which is why any genre of Christian music is looked at as secondary to the secular market. Message than music.

Besides that, should P & W music be depressing and culturally involved. It is Praise and Worship, meant to lift praises to God.



DaveW -> RE: What's your opinion on the many genres of Christian music? (6/13/2008 6:38:11 AM)

No, P&W should NEVER be depressing. Nor should it be repentive. It is to celebrate and enjoy God's manifest presence.

Music is cultural by definition. So P&W HAS to be culturally relavant.

As to Christian Music as entertainment, there is no reason that it should be "secondary" to anything. We should have the best singers, the best instrumentalists, the best composers. And we should be leading the wave on new styles.

After all, we have the Holy Spirit who is the ultimate in creativity. The world does not.



mapachito13 -> RE: What's your opinion on the many genres of Christian music? (6/13/2008 9:32:41 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: DaveW

J.S. Bach is quoted as saying "The whole purpose of music is the glorification of God and the recreation of the mind." These are 2 very seperate functions and IMO should not be mixed. While we do not wish to serve up lame offerings in P&W, to have the most complex chord structures or the wildest instrumental breaks or difficult melodies is counter productive. P&W is congregational in nature, and as such must not exceed the musical abilities of the congregation.


So no opera written for a soprano? Shucks! Although the music of Bach surely isn't dull. It's absolutely heavenly in nature.

quote:

I would love to write worship music in 5/8 or 7/8 time. But no one could sing it.


But it sure would be fun to try!!



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